Apple

iPhone

iPad

iOS

Jailbreak

Cydia

The folks over at CNET have obtained an internal document which details training Apple has given retail managers on how to respond to employees who unionize. The training is likely to have already taken place and apparently is mandatory for all new Apple Store managers. According to the description of the training, the “course is intended to provide managers with a practical understanding of how unions affect the workplace, how and why employees organize, and the legal do’s and don’ts of dealing with unions. This is a mandatory class for all new managers, and is required biannually for all managers.”

The training seems to be coming about six months after Apple Retail workers in the Pacific Northwest attempted to unionize. “We work in one of the most demanding retail environments while suffering through unfair treatments and compensation among many other various issues,” the group claimed. What unionizing would do is allow retail employees the opportunity to negotiate these grievances, but the folks over at CNET note that an expert on unions told them that Apple’s large retail success makes it unlikely that any of the negotiations would end up going very far.

The whole idea seems to be a good move on Apple’s behalf as it ensures that Apple will maintain the control over their employees. What makes Apple stand out from many other competitors are not only the products they provide but also the whole experience you get when purchasing their products from their retail store. The Apple employees help make the experience much better and keeping them satisfied means Apple’s success and better consumer experience at Apple stores will both continue.

I never cared much for the Apple retail experience. I find the sales people pretentious and fairly uninformed. I didn't enjoy dealing with them at all.

They do not bother me...but from a tech background I always do my own research on any products I want and any problems I have before entering any the store so I do not have to ask for their help.

I do find Apple recruitment process very pretentious, I went through about 4 stages. I was very happy to turn down their offer of a job. They only offered part time hours and were soo secretive about pay all the way through it and only telling me when they called to offer me the job.

As an ex Teamster i dont see anything wrong with the unionizing as long as it is done in a proper manner,and with justification. This just sounds like the people involved were little whiners when they didnt get their way, so they tried to make it difficult for the retail store or stores they worked at. The unions are always trying to get more places to unionize so they can get more money, not they they all actually look out for the employee, the unions just want more members so they have more money. Look at Walmart for an example the unions have been trying to rally them to go union for a very long time

Unions used to have a place, but really, I don't think they are necessary any more.Really, if an employee doesn't feel they are being properly taken care of, they can always quit and work elsewhere. Competition is not just about customers, but also emplooyees.

Unions used to have a place, but really, I don't think they are necessary any more.Really, if an employee doesn't feel they are being properly taken care of, they can always quit and work elsewhere. Competition is not just about customers, but also emplooyees.

That's very true and if Apple knows what's best, they'll block Unions like Wal-Mart has been doing. As a current card-carrying U member I personally can't wait to have these bozos out of my pocket (dues). I agree that there used to be a time and place for unionization but now is no longer the time. In our company (maybe you've heard of it: At This Time?) employees used to get merit bonuses for good performance and even for staying with the company. The moment CWA walked in the door those bonuses dried up and now you get piddly nickel and dime raises unless you live in the NE where the U enrollment is over 70% for your building. There's mostly infighting, corruption and anti-company antics galore. Aside from the fact the company is loathe to fire reps due to U strong arm tactics, so you have lazy a**** all around just picking up a check with minimum work. I'd rather have no union and the ability to get raises and bonuses for a job well done than the current status quo of everyone getting the same pay no matter how hard you work (or don't). /$0.02